Control node and path control system

ABSTRACT

A C-plane device in a path control system comprises: a storage unit storing designation information designating search key information of a node used as a search key determining a transmission destination and part information indicating a packet part in which the search key information is included; and a setting unit, in a case in which a new node is connected to the U-plane device, acquires node information relating to the new node, extracts search key information of the new node on the basis of the acquired node information and the stored to designation information, and, in a case in which, in a packet received by the U-plane device, the search key information of the new node is included in a packet part indicated by the part information, sets a transmission destination of the packet for each of at least a part of U-plane devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 16/063,340 filedJun. 18, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference. U.S. application Ser. No. 16/063,340 is a National Stage ofPCT/JP2017/005103 filed Feb. 13, 2017, which claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Japanese Application No. 2016-032098filed Feb. 23, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a control node performing path controlof packet communication between nodes and a path control systemcomprising one or more relay nodes that are connected to the controlnode and relay packet communication.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, communication systems performing path control in anevolved packet system (EPS) that is a standard of a mobile communicationnetwork are known (for example, Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application PublicationNo. 2014-236234

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, in the EPS, there are problems in that path control usingidentification information designated by a network company and a packetfield designated by the network company cannot be performed, andflexible path control cannot be performed.

Thus, the present invention is in consideration of such problems, and anobject thereof is to provide a control node and a path control systemcapable of performing more flexible path control.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the problems described above, according to one aspectof the present invention, there is provided a control node in a pathcontrol system comprising the control node performing path control ofpacket communication between nodes and one or more relay nodes that areconnected to the control node and relay the packet communication, thecontrol node comprising: a memory storing designation informationdesignating search key information of a node used as a search keydetermining a transmission destination that is a relay destination whenone of the one or more relay nodes receives a packet and partinformation indicating a packet part in which the search key informationis included. The control node, in a case in which a new node isconnected to at least one of the one or more relay nodes, acquires nodeinformation relating to the new node, extracts search key information ofthe new node on the basis of the acquired node information and thedesignation information stored in the memory, and, in a case in which,in a packet received by at least one relay node among the one or morerelay nodes, the search key information of the new node is included in apacket part indicated by the part information, sets a transmissiondestination of the packet for at least a part of the one or more relaynodes or each of all the relay nodes in a transmission path of thepacket transmission.

By employing such a configuration, in a case in which a new node isconnected to at least one of the one or more relay nodes and in a casein which, in a packet received by at least one relay node among the oneor more relay nodes, the search key information of the new node based onthe designation information stored in the memory is included in a packetpart indicated by the part information, a transmission destination ofthe packet is set for at least a part of the one or more relay nodes oreach of all the relay nodes in a transmission path of the packettransmission. In other words, on the basis of the designationinformation and the part information stored in the memory, atransmission destination of a packet for each relay node can be set.Accordingly, for example, when designation information and partinformation designated by a network company are stored in the memory,path control can be performed using the designation information and thepart information designated by the network company. In other words, moreflexible path control can be performed.

In addition, in the control node according to one aspect of the presentinvention, a plurality of pieces of search key information may beextracted when the search key information is extracted, and atransmission destination may be set for each of the plurality of piecesof extracted search key information. By employing such a configuration,a plurality of pieces of search key information can be set for the node,and thus, for example, more flexible path control such as setting aplurality of pieces of search key information in accordance withpurposes and setting path control in accordance with the purposes can beperformed.

In addition, in the control node according to one aspect of the presentinvention, insufficiency information may be dynamically generated whenthe search key information is extracted. By employing such aconfiguration, even in a case in which insufficiency information ispresent, search key information can be extracted more reliably, andaccordingly, a transmission destination of the relay node can be setmore reliably.

In addition, in the control node according to one aspect of the presentinvention, the memory may further store topology information relating tonetwork topology of the one or more relay nodes, and the control nodemay set a transmission destination on the basis of the topologyinformation stored in the memory. By employing such a configuration, forexample, a transmission destination forming a shortest path toward atransmission destination node can be set on the basis of the topologyinformation, and more flexible path control can be performed.

In addition, in the control node according to one aspect of the presentinvention, the packet communication may be performed through one virtualnetwork among a plurality of virtual networks established on a path, thememory may store designation information and part information for eachof the virtual networks, and the control node, in a case in which a newnode is connected to at least one of the one or more relay nodes,acquires node information relating to the new node, extracts search keyinformation for each virtual network of the new node on the basis of theacquired node information and the designation information for eachvirtual network stored in the memory, and, in a case in which, in apacket received by at least one relay node among the one or more relaynodes, the search key information for the virtual network of the newnode is included in a packet part indicated by the part information foreach virtual network, may set a transmission destination of the packetfor each virtual network and for at least a part of the one or morerelay nodes or each of all the relay nodes in a transmission path of thepacket transmission. By employing such a configuration, in a packetcommunication network in which a plurality of virtual networks areestablished on a path, path control for each virtual network can beperformed. In other words, more flexible path control can be performed.

In addition, in order to solve the problems described above, accordingto one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a path controlsystem comprising: a control node performing path control of packetcommunication between nodes; and one or more relay nodes that areconnected to the control node and relay the packet communication. Thecontrol node comprises a first memory storing designation informationdesignating search key information of a node used as a search keydetermining a transmission destination that is a relay destination whenone of the one or more relay nodes receives a packet and partinformation indicating a packet part in which the search key informationis included and, in a case in which a new node is connected to at leastone of the one or more relay nodes, acquires node information relatingto the new node, extracts search key information of the new node on thebasis of the acquired node information and the designation informationstored in the first memory, and, in a case in which, in a packetreceived by at least one relay node among the one or more relay nodes,the search key information of the new node is included in a packet partindicated by the part information, generates a settings data table inwhich a transmission destination of the packet is set for at least apart of the one or more relay nodes or for each of all the relay nodesin a transmission path of the packet transmission and transmits thegenerated settings data table to the set relay node, and the relay nodecomprises a second memory storing the settings data table transmitted bythe control node and transmits a packet received at the time of relayingon the basis of the settings data table stored in the second memory.

By employing such a configuration, in the control node, in a case inwhich a new node is connected to at least one of the one or more relaynodes and in a case in which, in a packet received by at least one relaynode among the one or more relay nodes, the search key information ofthe new node based on the designation information stored in the firstmemory is included in a packet part indicated by the part information, asettings data table in which a transmission destination of the packet isset for at least a part of the one or more relay nodes or for each ofall the relay nodes present in a transmission path of the packettransmission is generated. Then, in the relay node, the generatedsettings data table is stored in the second memory, and a packetreceived at the time of relaying is transmitted on the basis of thesettings data table stored in the second memory. In other words, on thebasis of the settings data table generated on the basis of thedesignation information and the part information stored in the firstmemory, a packet is transmitted in the relay node. Accordingly, forexample, when designation information and part information designated bya network company are stored in the first memory, path control can beperformed using the designation information and the part informationdesignated by the network company. In other words, more flexible pathcontrol can be performed.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

More flexible path control can be performed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a path control system according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a controlnode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a relaynode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating examples of a packet search rule table,a topology information table, and a UN specific information table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a settings data table.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a path control method in apath control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of S3 illustrated in FIG. 6in detail.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a pathcontrol system of an example.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an order in which a settingsdata table is set in each relay node in an example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet transmittedfrom a node that is a transmission source in an example.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (1) illustrating an order in which apacket is transmitted in a relay node in which a settings data table isset in an example.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram (2) illustrating an order in which apacket is transmitted in a relay node in which a settings data table isset in an example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a pathcontrol system according to Modified example 1.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating examples of a packet search ruletable, a topology information table, and a UN specific information tablein Modified example 1.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a settings data table inModified example 1.

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram (1) illustrating an order in which asettings data table is set in each relay node in Modified example 1.

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram (2) illustrating an order in which asettings data table is set in each relay node in Modified example 1.

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram (3) illustrating an order in which asettings data table is set in each relay node in Modified example 1.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet transmittedfrom a node that is a transmission source in Modified example 1.

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram (1) illustrating an order in which apacket is transmitted in a relay node in which a settings data table isset in Modified example 1.

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram (2) illustrating an order in which apacket is transmitted in a relay node in which a settings data table isset in Modified example 1.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a pathcontrol system of Modified example 2.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating examples of a packet search ruletable, a topology information table, and a UN specific information tablein Modified example 2.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S3 illustrated inFIG. 6 in detail in Modified example 2.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a settings data table inModified example 2 (initial state).

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a settings data table inModified example 2.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a control node and a path control system according to anembodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.In description of the drawings, the same reference signs will beassigned to the same elements, and duplicate description thereof willnot be presented.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a path control system 4(path control system) according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the path control system 4 isconfigured to include a C-plane device 1 (control node), one or moreU-plane devices 2 (relay nodes), and one or more UNs 3 (nodes).Hereinafter, the one or more U-plane devices 2 will be collectivelyreferred to as a U-plane device 2 as is appropriate, and the one or moreUNs 3 will be collectively referred to as a UN 3 as is appropriate.

The C-plane device 1 is connected to the one or more U-plane devices 2through a network for enabling packet communication. Some or all ofU-plane devices 2 among the one or more U-plane devices 2 are connectedsuch that the U-plane devices 2 can perform mutual packet communicationthrough a network. Each of the one or more UNs 3 can be connected to oneU-plane device 2 among the one or more U-plane devices 2 through anetwork to enable mutual packet communication and can appropriatelydisconnect the communication or update the connection state. Apacket-communicable network of the whole path control system 4 isconstituted by using the C-plane device 1 and the network between theU-plane devices 2 and the UN 3 described above. The path control system4, for example, may be a mobile communication system using an evolvedpacket system (EPS).

In this embodiment, mainly, path control of packet communication betweenUNs 3 is described. More specifically, the packet communication betweenUNs 3 is communication of packets transmitted from a UN 3 that is atransmission source to a UN 3 that is a transmission destination. Thecommunication between the UNs 3 (nodes) is relayed by one or moreU-plane devices 2. A UN 3 that is a transmission source, first,transmits a packet to a U-plane device 2 that is directly connected. TheU-plane device 2 that has transmitted the packet determines atransmission destination of the packet (a determining method will bedescribed later) and transmits the packet to the determined transmissiondestination. The transmission destination is another U-plane device 2 ora UN 3 that is a transmission destination. In this way, a packettransmitted from a UN 3 that is a transmission source is relayed throughone or more U-plane devices 2 and finally arrives at a UN 3 that is atransmission destination. A network (including a UN 3 and a U-planedevice 2) traced by a packet from the UN 3 that is a transmission sourceto a UN 3 that is a transmission destination is called a path.

The C-plane (control plane) device 1 is a computer device (one node in anetwork) performing network control such as path control of packetcommunication between UNs 3 that is relayed by the U-plane device 2. TheC-plane device 1, for example, is a home subscriber server (HSS), amobility management entity (MME), a policy and charging rule function(PCRF), or the like in an EPS. Details of the C-plane device 1 will bedescribed later.

The U-plane (user plane) device 2 is a computer device (one node in anetwork) relaying packet communication between UNs 3 and, morespecifically, is a computer device that performs packet transmission ora packet process of a network. The U-plane device 2, for example, is anevolved node B (eNB), a serving gateway (SGW), a packet data networkgateway (PGW), or the like that is a node system in an EPS. Details ofthe U-plane device 2 will be described later.

The UN (user network) 3 collectively refers to hardware and softwareconnected to a network constituted by the path control system 4 andgroups constituted thereby (one node in a network). The UN 3, forexample, may be a portable terminal, a network configured from aplurality of devices, a virtual terminal or an application operating ona portable terminal, a network managed by another network companydifferent from a network company managing the C-plane device 1 and theU-plane devices 2, or the Internet that is connected through a networkmanaged by another network company.

Hereinafter, each functional block of the C-plane device 1 will bedescribed on the basis of a functional block diagram of the C-planedevice 1 included in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the C-planedevice 1 is configured to include: a storage unit 10 (a memory or afirst memory); an acquisition unit 11; and a setting unit 12.

The C-plane device 1 is configured from hardware such as a CPU and thelike. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one example of the hardwareconfiguration of the C-plane device 1. The C-plane device 1 illustratedin FIG. 1, physically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is configured as acomputer system including: one or a plurality of CPUs 100; a RAM 101 anda ROM 102 that are main memory devices; an input/output device 103 suchas a display; a communication module 104; an auxiliary memory device105; and the like.

The function of each functional block of the C-plane device 1illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by operating the input/output device103, the communication module 104, and the auxiliary memory device 105under the control of the CPU 100 and reading and writing data from/intothe RAM 101 by causing predetermined computer software to be read ontohardware such as the CPU 100, the RAM 101, and the like illustrated inFIG. 2.

In addition, each function may be configured to be executed by buildingall or some of the functions into a dedicated integrated circuit (IC)instead of executing each function illustrated in FIG. 1 using aprocessor such as the CPU 100. For example, by building a dedicatedintegrated circuit for performing image processing or communicationcontrol, the functions described above may be executed.

It is apparent that the software is broadly interpreted to mean acommand, a command set, a code, a code segment, a program code, aprogram, a subprogram, a software module, an application, a softwareapplication, a software package, a routine, a subroutine, an object, anexecutable file, an execution thread, an order, a function, and the likeregardless whether it is called software, firmware, middleware, amicro-code, a hardware description language, or any other name.

In addition, the software, the command, and the like may be transmittedand received through a transmission medium. For example, in a case inwhich software is transmitted from a website, a server, or anotherremote source using a wired technology such as a coaxial cable, anoptical fiber cable, a twisted pair, or a digital subscriber line (DSL)and/or a wireless technology such as infrared rays or microwaves, thewired technology and/or the wireless technology are included within thedefinition of the transmission medium.

The storage unit 10 stores designation information used for designatingsearch key information of the UN 3 that is used as a search key ofdetermination of a transmission destination by the U-plane device 2 atthe time of relaying a packet and part information indicating a packetpart (for example, a packet field) in which the search key informationis included. As will be described later, the U-plane device 2 determinesa specific U-plane device 2 or a UN 3 (of a transmission destination) towhich a packet is to be transmitted next at the time of relaying thereceived packet. In other words, a transmission destination isdetermined. The determination is performed on the basis of the searchkey information of the UN 3 (of the transmission destination) includedin the received packet. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram illustrating an exampleof a packet search rule table in which the part information and thedesignation information stored using the storage unit 10 are associatedwith each other. In the table example illustrated in FIG. 4(a), the partinformation is “64 bits from the start of a user packet part.” Thisindicates that a packet part in which search key information is includedis the part having 64 bits from the start of the user packet partincluded in a packet. In the table example illustrated in FIG. 4(a), thedesignation information is “UN 3 identification code.” This indicatesdesignation of the use of a UN 3 identification code (an independentcode used for identifying the UN 3; in this embodiment, a code of 64bits) as search key information of the UN 3.

The designation information and the part information are assumed to bedesignated by a network company managing the path control system 4. Forexample, the C-plane device 1 may receive the designation informationand the part information from a network company through the input/outputdevice 103 as inputs and stores the input information using the storageunit 10.

The storage unit 10 may further store topology information relating to anetwork topology of one or more U-plane devices 2. More specifically,the network topology of one or more U-plane devices 2 is a connectionform representing a manner in which the U-plane devices 2 are connectedinside the path control system 4. FIG. 4(b) is a diagram illustrating anexample of a topology information table stored using the storage unit10. In the table example illustrated in FIG. 4(b), one recordcorresponds to a set of identifiers used for identifying U-plane devices2 and represents that the U-plane devices 2 identified using the set ofidentifiers are connected together (have a connection relation). Morespecifically, in the table example illustrated in FIG. 4(b), in the pathcontrol system 4, it represents that a U-plane device 2-1 and a U-planedevice 2-2 are connected, and a U-plane device 2-3 and the U-planedevice 2-2 are connected.

In addition to the information described above, the storage unit 10 maystore information that is temporarily generated or output information atthe time of processing using the acquisition unit 11 and the settingunit 12 to be described later.

When a new UN 3 (a UN 3 that is not connected to any one of U-planedevices 2 included in the path control system 4) is connected to aU-plane device 2 or when the connection state of a UN 3 is updated, theacquisition unit 11 acquires node information relating to the UN 3. Theacquisition unit 11 acquires the node information through a connectionprocessing unit 21 of the U-plane device 2 to be described later. In thenode information, UN specific information that is specific informationof the UN 3 is included. The UN specific information may include all theinformation that is specific in particular to a user device maintainedin software or hardware among specific information of the UN 3, forexample, a UN 3 identifier used for identifying the UN 3, the UN 3identification code described above and information used when the UN 3is connected to a network constituted by the path control system 4. Forexample, the UN specific information may include an identifier of theU-plane device 2 to which the UN 3 is connected. The acquisition unit 11outputs the acquired node information to the setting unit 12.

The setting unit 12 extracts search key information of the UN 3 on thebasis of the node information input from the acquisition unit 11 and thedesignation information stored using the storage unit 10. In a case inwhich the designation information stored using the storage unit 10 isthe table example illustrated in FIG. 4(a), as described above, the useof the UN 3 identification code is designated as the search keyinformation of the UN 3, and accordingly, the setting unit 12 extracts aUN 3 identification code included in the node information input from theacquisition unit 11.

When search key information is extracted, the setting unit 12 mayextract a plurality of pieces of search key information. For example, inthe specific example described above, in a case in which a plurality ofUN 3 identification codes are included in the node information inputfrom the acquisition unit 11, the setting unit 12 extracts the pluralityof UN 3 identification codes.

The setting unit 12 may dynamically generate insufficiency informationwhen the search key information which is insufficient is extracted. Inaddition, the setting unit 12 may dynamically generate insufficiencyinformation when search key information which is extracted on the basisof the node information and the designation information is insufficient.For example, in the specific example described above, in a case in whicha UN 3 identification code included in the node information input fromthe acquisition unit 11 is not the original code of 64 bits but a codeof 32 bits representing the same numerical value, the setting unit 12converts the code of 32 bits into a code of 64 bits (32 “0”s that areinsufficiency information are dynamically generated and added). Asanother example, the insufficiency information may be generated using amethod of assigning a value that is larger than a largest value of theUN 3 identification code, which has already been assigned to the UN 3,by one. In addition, as a yet another example, an embodiment may beconceived in which assignment of a UN 3 identification code is requestedfor an external C-plane device 1 controlling the UN 3, and the value ofthe UN 3 identification code included in a response thereof is used.

The setting unit 12 may generate a UN specific information table inwhich an identifier of a UN 3, an identifier of a U-plane device 2 towhich the UN 3 is connected, and search key information are associatedwith each other or update a record relating to a UN 3 that is newlyconnected for a UN specific information table stored in advance on thebasis of the extracted search key information and the node informationinput from the acquisition unit 11. For example, when a new UN 3 isconnected to the U-plane device 2, the setting unit 12 may acquire anidentifier of the UN 3 included in the node information input from theacquisition unit 11 and an identifier of the U-plane device 2 andgenerates or updates a UN specific information table by associatingthese with each piece of the extracted search key information. FIG. 4(c)is a diagram that illustrates an example of the UN specific informationtable. In the table example illustrated in FIG. 4(c), for example, afirst record represents that a UN 3 of which the identifier is “UN 3-1”is connected to a U-plane device 2 of which the identifier is “U-planedevice 2-1,” and search key information (UN 3 identifier code) of the UN3 is “0x 0000 0000 0000 0001.” The setting unit 12 may store the UNspecific information table that has been generated or updated using thestorage unit 10.

Subsequently, the setting unit 12 generates a settings data table inwhich a transmission destination of a packet of a case, in whichextracted search key information is included in a packet part, whichindicated by part information stored using the storage unit 10, of thepacket received when the U-plane device 2 performs packet relay, is setfor each U-plane device 2. The setting unit 12 may store the generatedsettings data table using the storage unit 10. In addition, the settingunit 12 may generate the settings data table for at least a part of theU-plane devices 2 or each of all the U-plane devices 2 present in atransmission path of the packet transmission. Hereinafter, a method ofgenerating the settings data table using the setting unit 12 will bedescribed more specifically.

More specifically, the setting unit 12 generates an example of asettings data table illustrated in FIG. 5 on the basis of the examplesof the packet search rule table, the topology information table and theUN specific information table illustrated in FIG. 4. In the example ofthe settings data table illustrated in FIG. 5, an identifier of aU-plane device 2, a packet search condition (to be described later), andan identifier of a transmission destination device are associated witheach other. Hereinafter, a method of acquiring information of eachcolumn of the example of the settings data table illustrated in FIG. 5will be described.

First, the setting unit 12 extracts identifiers of U-plane devices 2from the topology information table without any duplication and sets theidentifiers in the first column of the example of the settings datatable illustrated in FIG. 5. The setting unit 12 may extract theidentifiers of the U-plane devices 2 not from the topology informationtable but on the basis of the identifiers of all the U-plane devices 2,to which the C-plane device 1 is connected, stored in the C-plane device1 in advance.

Next, the setting unit 12 generates a packet search condition acquiredby combining the part information of the pack search rule table and theidentification information (search key information) of each UN 3included in the UN specific information table and sets the generatedpacket search condition in the second column of the example of thesettings data table illustrated in FIG. 5 for each of U-plane devices 2of the first column.

In the example of the settings data table at this time point illustratedin FIG. 5, the “U-plane device 2 identifier” of the first columnrepresents a U-plane device 2 that is a subject relaying a packet, andthe “packet search condition” of the second column represents a searchcondition satisfied by the packet when the U-plane device 2 relays thepacket. For example, a first record represents a case in which 64 bitsfrom the start of a user packet part of a packet received by a U-planedevice 2-1 are “0x 0000 0000 0000 0001,” in other words, a case in whicha UN 3 that is a transmission destination is a UN 3-1. In the case ofthis first record, the setting unit 12 refers to the UN specificinformation table and determines that the U-plane device 2-1 and the UN3-1 are connected and sets “UN 3-1” as an identifier of a transmissiondestination device of the third column. In addition, the packet searchcondition uses at least the part information and the search keyinformation.

The setting unit 12 may set a transmission destination on the basis ofthe topology information stored using the storage unit 10. For example,a second record of the example of the settings data table illustrated inFIG. 5 represents a case in which the transmission destination of apacket received by the U-plane device 2-1 is a UN 3-2. In the case ofthis second record, the setting unit 12, first, determines that a deviceto which the UN 3-2 is connected is a U-plane device 2-2 by referring tothe UN specific information table and, next, determines that thedetermined U-plane device 2-2 and the U-plane device 2-1 that is its owndevice are connected by referring to the topology information table.Thus, the setting unit 12, determines that, in order to transmit apacket received by the U-plane device 2-1 to the UN 3-2 that is atransmission destination, first, it is necessary to transmit the packetto the U-plane device 2-2 and sets a “U-plane device 2-2” as anidentifier of a transmission destination device of the third column. Inaddition, when the transmission destination is set, the setting unit 12may calculate and set a transmission destination device that is ashortest path toward the UN 3 that is the transmission destination usinga Dijkstra's algorithm, which is a known technology, or the like on thebasis of the topology information table and the UN specific informationtable.

The setting unit 12 may set a transmission destination for each of aplurality of pieces of extracted search key information. For example, inthe example of the UN specific information table illustrated in FIG.4(c), two UN 3 identification codes (“0x 0000 0000 0000 0002” and “0x0000 0000 0000 0005”) are set for the U-plane device 2-2, and, on thebasis of the UN specific information table, in the example of thesettings data table illustrated in FIG. 5, transmission destinations areset by the setting unit 12 for the two UN 3 identification codes (forexample, the second record and the fifth record). The method ofgenerating the settings data table using the setting unit 12 is asdescribed above.

The setting unit 12 performs setting by transmitting the generatedsettings data table to each U-plane device 2. The setting unit 12 maytransmit the generated settings data table to all the U-plane devices 2or may transmit a record for each U-plane device 2 in the generatedsettings data table to the U-plane device 2. (For example, all therecords in which the first column is the “U-plane device 2-1” in thesettings data table are transmitted to the U-plane device 2-1, and allthe records of the “U-plane device 2-2” are transmitted to the U-planedevice 2-2, and the like).

Subsequently, referring back to FIG. 1, each functional block of theU-plane device 2 will be described on the basis of the functional blockdiagram of the U-plane device 2 included in FIG. 1. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the U-plane device 2 is configured to include a storage unit 20(a memory or a second memory), a connection processing unit 21, and atransmission unit 22.

The U-plane device 2 is configured from hardware such as a CPU and thelike. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one example of the hardwareconfiguration of the U-plane device 2. The U-plane device 2 illustratedin FIG. 1, physically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is configured as acomputer system including: one or a plurality of CPUs 200; a RAM 201 anda ROM 202 that are main memory devices; an input/output device 203 suchas a display; a communication module 204; an auxiliary memory device205; and the like.

The function of each functional block of the U-plane device 2illustrated in FIG. 1 is realized by operating the input/output device203, the communication module 204, and the auxiliary memory device 205under the control of the CPU 200 and reading and writing data from/intothe RAM 201 by causing predetermined computer software to be read ontohardware such as the CPU 200, the RAM 201, and the like illustrated inFIG. 3.

In addition, each function may be configured to be executed by buildingall or some of the functions into a dedicated integrated circuit (IC)instead of executing each function illustrated in FIG. 1 using aprocessor such as the CPU 200. For example, by building a dedicatedintegrated circuit for performing image processing or communicationcontrol, the functions described above may be executed.

The storage unit 20 stores a settings data table transmitted by thesetting unit 12. In addition, the settings data table transmitted by thesetting unit 12 may be received by a reception unit not illustrated inthe drawing, and the received settings data table may be stored by thestorage unit 20.

The connection processing unit 21 performs a process of connecting withthe UN 3. More specifically, the connection processing unit 21 receivesa new connection request from the UN 3 or receives a request forupdating a connection state in the connection state of already beingconnected with the UN 3. Then, when a connection request or an updaterequest is received, the connection processing unit 21 establishes aconnection with the UN 3. In addition, when the connection request orthe update request is received, the connection processing unit 21receives the node information described above from the UN 3. Inaddition, the connection processing unit 21 may receive information of apart of the node information from the UN 3 and generate node informationon the basis of the information of the part. The connection processingunit 21 transmits the node information that has been received orgenerated to the acquisition unit 11 of the C-plane device 1.

The transmission unit 22 transmits a packet that has been received atthe time of relaying the packet on the basis of the settings data tablestored using the storage unit 20. More specifically, the transmissionunit 22, first, acquires records in which the identifier of the U-planedevice 2 is the identifier of its own device in the settings data tablestored using the storage unit 20. Next, the transmission unit 22extracts a record satisfying a packet search condition included in arecord among the acquired records for the packet transmitted from atransmission source device (another U-plane device 2 or the UN 3) andacquires an identifier of a transmission destination device of therecord. Then, the transmission unit 22 transmits the packet to thetransmission destination device corresponding to the acquired identifierof the transmission destination device.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a path control method in thepath control system 4. First, by using the storage unit 10 of theC-plane device 1, the topology information table and the UN specificinformation table are stored together with a packet search rule tableinput by a network company or the like (Step S0). Next, by using the UN3, a connection request or an update request including UN specificinformation of the UN 3 is transmitted to the U-plane device 2, and aconnection process for a connection with the UN 3 is performed using theconnection processing unit 21 of the U-plane device 2 (Step S1). Next,by using the connection processing unit 21 of the U-plane device 2, theUN specific information received in S1 is transmitted to the C-planedevice 1, the UN specific information is acquired using the acquisitionunit 11 of the C-plane device 1, and the UN specific informationacquired using the setting unit 12 of the C-plane device 1 is added tothe UN specific information table (Step S2).

Next, by using the setting unit 12 of the C-plane device 1, a settingsdata table is generated on the basis of the packet search rule table andthe topology information table stored in S0 and the UN specificinformation table updated in S2 (Step S3). Next, by using the settingunit 12 of the C-plane device 1, the settings data table generated in S3is transmitted to (set in) the U-plane device 2 (Step S4). Next, byusing the storage unit 20 of the U-plane device 2, the settings datatable transmitted in S4 is stored, and, by using the transmission unit22, a process of transmitting a packet on the basis of the storedsettings data table is performed (Step S5).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S3 in the sequencediagram illustrated in FIG. 6 in detail. First, after S2 illustrated inFIG. 6, by using the setting unit 12, it is determined whether or not UNspecific information that is dynamically generated is present on thebasis of the UN specific information acquired in S2 illustrated in FIG.6 (Step S10). When the presence is determined in S10, by using thesetting unit 12, insufficient UN specific information is generated (StepS11). In a case in which no presence is determined in S10, or followingS11, by using the setting unit 12, designation information of the packetsearch rule table is substituted with the UN specific information thatis acquired in S2 illustrated in FIG. 6 or the UN specific informationthat is dynamically generated in S11, and a packet search condition isgenerated (Step S12).

Next, by using the setting unit 12, for each U-plane device 2, atransmission destination device forming a shortest path toward the UN 3to which search key information based on the UN specific information ofthe UN 3 acquired in S2 is assigned is calculated (Step S13). Next, byusing the setting unit 12, for each U-plane device 2, a record includingthe identifier of the U-plane device 2, the packet search conditiongenerated in S12, and the identifier of the transmission destinationdevice forming the shortest path calculated in S13 is generated and isadded to the settings data table stored using the storage unit 10 (StepS14). After S14, the process proceeds to S4 illustrated in FIG. 6.

EXAMPLES

Subsequently, example of the path control system 4 will be described. Inthis example, a setting order of the settings data table will bedescribed using a sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 9 on the basis ofa specific configuration example of the path control system 4illustrated in FIG. 8, and, a transmission order of each packetillustrated in FIG. 10 will be described using a sequence diagramillustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 on the basis of a set settings datatable.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the pathcontrol system 4 of this example. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a UN 3-1 isconnected to a U-plane device 2-1 (connected in S25 illustrated in FIG.9 to be described later), a UN 3-2 is connected to a U-plane device 2-2(connected in S21 illustrated in FIG. 9 to be described later), a UN 3-3is connected to a U-plane device 2-3 (connected in S29 illustrated inFIG. 9 to be described later), and a UN 3-4 is connected to a U-planedevice 2-3 (connected in S33 illustrated in FIG. 9 to be describedlater). In addition, the U-plane device 2-1 and the U-plane device 2-2are connected, and the U-plane device 2-2 and the U-plane device 2-3 areconnected. Furthermore, a C-plane device 1 is connected to each of theU-plane device 2-1, the U-plane device 2-2, and the U-plane device 2-3.In addition, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8 is a configurationbased on the example of the topology information table illustrated inFIG. 4(b) and the example of the UN specific information tableillustrated in FIG. 4(c). Furthermore, the C-plane device 1 isconfigured to include the storage unit 10, the acquisition unit 11, andthe setting unit 12 that are the functional blocks described above, andeach U-plane device 2 is configured to include the storage unit 20, theconnection processing unit 21, and the transmission unit 22 that are thefunctional blocks described above.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an order in which a new UN 3is connected to the U-plane device 2, and a settings data table based onthe connection is set in each U-plane device 2. In FIG. 9, S20 to S24correspond to details when S0 to S4 illustrated in FIG. 6 are executedat a time when a new UN 3-2 is connected to a U-plane device 2-2, andthus, detailed description thereof will not be presented here. Inaddition, in S24, a settings data table is transmitted to all theU-plane devices 2 included in the path control system 4 using theC-plane device 1. Similarly, S25 to S28 in FIG. 9 correspond to detailswhen S0 to S4 illustrated in FIG. 6 are executed at a time when a new UN3-1 is connected to a U-plane device 2-1, S29 to S32 in FIG. 9correspond to details when S0 to S4 illustrated in FIG. 6 are executedat a time when a new UN 3-3 is connected to a U-plane device 2-3, andS33 to S36 in FIG. 9 correspond to details when S0 to S4 illustrated inFIG. 6 are executed at a time when a new UN 3-4 is connected to aU-plane device 2-3. In addition, a settings data table that is finallyset in S36 is assumed to be the table example illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet transmittedfrom a UN 3 that is a transmission source. As illustrated in FIG. 10, aUN 3 identification code of 64 bits is included in the first 64 bits ofa packet (hereinafter, referred to as a user packet part), and theremaining part is a payload part. In addition, the UN 3 identificationcode represents a UN 3 that is the transmission destination. A packetexample illustrated in FIG. 10(a) illustrates a packet transmitted inthe process (S40 to S44) of “a” of a sequence diagram illustrated inFIG. 11 to be described later. Similarly, a packet example illustratedin FIG. 10(b) illustrates a packet transmitted in the process (S45 toS49) of “b” of the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 11, a packetexample illustrated in FIG. 10(c) illustrates a packet transmitted inthe process (S50 to S54) of “c” of the sequence diagram illustrated inFIG. 11, a packet example illustrated in FIG. 10(d) illustrates a packettransmitted in the process (S55 to S59) of “d” of the sequence diagramillustrated in FIG. 11, and a packet example illustrated in FIG. 10(e)illustrates a packet transmitted in the process (S60 to S64) of “e” ofthe sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 11.

Each of FIGS. 11 and 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an order inwhich a packet in a U-plane device 2 set in a settings data table istransmitted. First, the process of “a” illustrated in FIG. 11 will bedescribed. First, a packet illustrated in FIG. 10(a) is transmitted fromthe UN 3-2 to the U-plane device 2-2 directly connected to the UN 3-2(Step S40). Next, the set settings data table is referred to by theU-plane device 2-2, and it is determined that an 11-th record of thetable example illustrated in FIG. 5 satisfies a search condition thatthe identifier of the U-plane device 2 is “U-plane device 2-2” of itsown device, and 64 bits from the start of the user packet part are “0x0000 0000 0000 0001” like the packet illustrated in FIG. 10(a) as apacket search condition (Step S41). Next, by using the U-plane device2-2, the packet is transmitted to the U-plane device 2-1 represented bythe identifier of the transmission destination device of the 11-threcord (Step S42).

Next, the set settings data table is referred to by the U-plane device2-1, and it is determined that a first record of the table exampleillustrated in FIG. 5 satisfies a search condition that the identifierof the U-plane device 2 is “U-plane device 2-1” of its own device, and64 bits from the start of the user packet part are “0x 0000 0000 00000001” like the packet illustrated in FIG. 10(a) as a packet searchcondition (Step S43). Next, by using the U-plane device 2-1, the packetis transmitted to the UN 3-1 represented by the identifier of thetransmission destination device of the first record (Step S44).

The process of “b” illustrated in FIG. 11 and the process of “c” to “e”illustrated in FIG. 12 are similar to that described above, and thus,description thereof will not be presented here. In addition, a 2ndrecord satisfies the search condition in S46, a 12-th record satisfiesthe search condition in S48, a 13-th record satisfies the searchcondition in S51, an 8-th record satisfies the search condition in S53,a 14-th record satisfies the search condition in S56, a 9-th recordsatisfies the search condition in S58, a 5-th record satisfies thesearch condition in S61, and a 15-th record satisfies the searchcondition in S63.

Modified Example 1

Subsequently, Modified example 1 of the example of the path controlsystem 4 described above will be described. In this Modified example 1,packet communication is performed through one virtual network among aplurality of virtual networks established on a path, which is mainlydifferent from the example described above. In this Modified example 1,on the basis of a specific configuration example of a path controlsystem 4 v illustrated in FIG. 13, a packet search rule table, atopology information table, and a UN specific information tableillustrated in FIG. 14 stored by a C-plane device 1 v, and a settingsdata table illustrated in FIG. 15 stored by the C-plane device 1 v and aU-plane device 2 v, a setting order of a settings data table will bedescribed using a sequence diagram illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18, and,on the basis of a set settings data table, a transmission order of eachpacket illustrated in FIG. 19 will be described using a sequence diagramillustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21. In addition, “v” will be appropriatelyattached to a corresponding reference sign of the example describedabove as a reference sign of each of devices and functional blocks ofthis Modified example 1. The configuration and the functions of thisModified example 1 are almost the same as those of the example describedabove, and thus, similar parts will not be described as is appropriate,and differences will be mainly described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a pathcontrol system 4 v of this Modified example 1. As illustrated in FIG.14, in this Modified example 1, compared to the example described above,one or more virtual communication paths are established between a UN 3 vand a U-plane device 2 v and between U-plane devices 2 v. Morespecifically, two virtual communication paths including a virtualcommunication path associated with a virtual network 1 and a virtualcommunication path associated with a virtual network 2 are establishedbetween a UN 3 v-1 and a U-plane device 2 v-1, between a UN 3 v-2 and aU-plane device 2 v-2, between a U-plane device 2 v-1 and a U-planedevice 2 v-2, and between a U-plane device 2 v-2 and a U-plane device 2v-3. In addition, one virtual communication path associated with thevirtual network 1 is established between a UN 3 v-3 and a U-plane device2 v-3, and one virtual communication path associated with the virtualnetwork 2 is established between a UN 3 v-4 and a U-plane device 2 v-3.Packet communication from the UN 3 v that is a transmission source tothe UN 3 v that is a transmission destination is performed through oneof the virtual communication path associated with the virtual network 1and the virtual communication path associated with the virtual network2. A configuration illustrated in FIG. 13 is a configuration based on anexample of the topology information table illustrated in FIG. 14(b) andan example of the UN specific information table illustrated in FIG.14(c). In addition, the virtual communication path is a communicationconnecting device and represents a communication path generated inassociation with a virtual network.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating examples of a packet search ruletable, a topology information table, and a UN specific informationtable, which are stored using a storage unit 10 v, in Modifiedexample 1. Hereinafter, differences from the table examples of theexample described above illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG.14(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the packet search ruletable. As illustrated in FIG. 14(a), in the packet search rule table,part information and designation information are associated with eachother for each virtual network. In other words, a network company canset a search condition for each virtual network. FIG. 14(b) is a diagramillustrating an example of a topology information table. As illustratedin FIG. 14(b), a connection relation between devices is set for eachvirtual network. FIG. 14(c) is a diagram illustrating an example of a UNspecific information table. As illustrated in the table exampleillustrated in FIG. 14(c), for each UN 3 v, a UN 3 v identification codefor each virtual network is (acquired by an acquisition unit 11 v andset by a setting unit 12 v) is set.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a settings data tableset by the setting unit 12 v in Modified example 1. Hereinafter,differences from the table example of the example described aboveillustrated in FIG. 5 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 15, anidentifier of a U-plane device 2 v, a packet search condition, and anidentifier of a transmission destination device are associated with eachother for each virtual network.

When a new UN 3 v is connected to a U-plane device 2 v, the setting unit12 v acquires node information relating to the UN 3 v, extracts searchkey information of the UN 3 v for each virtual network on the basis ofthe acquired node information and designation information of eachvirtual network stored using the storage unit 10 v, and sets atransmission destination of the packet of a case in which the extractedsearch key information of the virtual network is included in a packetpart indicated by the part information of each virtual network storedusing the storage unit 10 v of a packet received by the U-plane device 2v at the time of relaying the packet for each virtual network and eachU-plane device 2 v. Hereinafter, description will be presented morespecifically with reference to FIGS. 16 to 21.

FIGS. 16 to 18 are sequence diagrams illustrating an order in which anew UN 3 v is connected to a U-plane device 2 v, and a settings datatable based on the connection is set in each U-plane device 2 v. S70 inFIG. 16 corresponds to S20 of the example described above illustrated inFIG. 9, and S72 to S74 in FIG. 16 respectively correspond to S21 to S23illustrated in FIG. 9, and thus detailed description thereof will not bepresented here. In S71, virtual communication paths associated with thevirtual network 1 and the virtual network 2 are established betweenU-plane devices 2 v on the basis of the example of the topologyinformation table illustrated in FIG. 14(b) stored in S70. Each of S75and S77 illustrated in FIG. 16 corresponds to S24 illustrated in FIG. 9and represents that a settings data table is set in (transmitted to) aU-plane device 2 v represented by the identifier of a correspondingU-plane device 2 v for each identifier of the virtual network of theexample of the settings data table illustrated in FIG. 15. In addition,when a settings data table associated with the virtual network 1 isreceived in S75, the U-plane device 2 v-2 that has received a connectionrequest in S72 establishes a virtual communication path associated withthe virtual network 1 for communicating with the UN 3 v-2, which hasperformed the connection process in S72, in S76. Similarly, when asettings data table associated with the virtual network 2 is received inS77, the U-plane device 2 v-2 that has received the connection requestin S72 establishes a virtual communication path associated with thevirtual network 2 for communicating with the UN 3 v-2, which hasperformed the connection process in S72, in S78.

S79 to S85 of the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 17 respectivelycorrespond to S72 to S78 of the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 16.The sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 16 is a setting example of asettings data table based on a connection request from the UN 3 v-2, andthe sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 17 is a setting example of asettings data table based on a connection request from the UN 3 v-1.

S86 to S90 of the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 18 respectivelycorrespond to S72 to S76 of the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 16.The sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 16 is a setting example of asettings data table associated with the virtual network 1 based on aconnection request from the UN 3 v-2, and the sequence diagramillustrated in FIG. 18 is a setting example of a settings data tableassociated with the virtual network 1 based on a connection request fromthe UN 3 v-3. Only being a settings data table associated with thevirtual network 1 is in accordance with only the virtual network 1 beingassociated with the UN 3 v-3 as an identifier of the virtual network inthe UN specific information table illustrated in FIG. 14(c). In otherwords, this represents that only the UN 3 v identification code relatingto the virtual network 1 is extracted by the setting unit 12 v from thenode information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 v.

S91 to S95 of the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 18 respectivelycorrespond to S72 to S74, S77, and S78 of the sequence diagramillustrated in FIG. 16. The sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 16 is asetting example of a settings data table associated with the virtualnetwork 2 based on a connection request from the UN 3 v-2, and thesequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 18 is a setting example of asettings data table associated with the virtual network 2 based on aconnection request from the UN 3 v-4. Only being a settings data tableassociated with the virtual network 2 is in accordance with only thevirtual network 2 being associated with the UN 3 v-4 as an identifier ofthe virtual network in the UN specific information table illustrated inFIG. 14(c). In other words, this represents that only the UN 3 videntification code relating to the virtual network 2 is extracted bythe setting unit 12 v from the node information acquired by theacquisition unit 11 v.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet transmittedfrom the UN 3 v that is a transmission source. As illustrated in FIG.19, a virtual communication path header designating a virtualcommunication path is present at the start of a packet, andsubsequently, a user packet part is present. The virtual communicationpath header of a packet illustrated in each of FIGS. 19(a) and 19(c)illustrates a virtual communication path associated with the virtualnetwork 1, and the virtual communication path header of a packetillustrated in each of FIGS. 19(b) and 19(d) illustrates a virtualcommunication path associated with the virtual network 2. In a userpacket part of a packet illustrated in each of FIGS. 19(a) and 19(c)relating to the virtual communication path associated with the virtualnetwork 1, a UN 3 v identification code of 64 bits is included in thefirst 64 bits, and the remaining part is a payload part. On the otherhand, in a user packet part of a packet illustrated in each of FIGS.19(b) and 19(d) relating to the virtual communication path associatedwith the virtual network 2, a UN 3 v identification code of 32 bits isincluded from the first 128-th bit, and subsequently, the other headerparts and a payload part follow.

An example of a packet illustrated in FIG. 19(a) illustrates a packettransmitted in the process (S100 to S104) of “a” of the sequence diagramillustrated in FIG. 20 to be described later. Similarly, an example of apacket illustrated in FIG. 19(b) illustrates a packet transmitted in theprocess (S105 to S109) of “b” of the sequence diagram illustrated inFIG. 20, an example of a packet illustrated in FIG. 19(c) illustrates apacket transmitted in the process (S110 to S114) of “c” of the sequencediagram illustrated in FIG. 21, and an example of a packet illustratedin FIG. 19(d) illustrates a packet transmitted in the process (S115 toS119) of “d” of the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 21.

Each of FIGS. 20 and 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating an order inwhich a packet is transmitted in U-plane devices 2 v in which a settingsdata table is set. First, the process of “a” illustrated in FIG. 20 willbe described. First, the packet illustrated in FIG. 19(a) is transmittedfrom a UN 3 v-2 to a U-plane device 2 v-2, which is directly connectedto the UN 3 v-2, through a virtual communication path associated withthe virtual network 1 (Step S100). Next, the virtual network 1 isdetermined as a virtual network to which the packet transmitted by theU-plane device 2 v-2 belongs, a settings data table corresponding to thedetermined virtual network 1 is referred to (in other words, records ofthe virtual network 1 determined as the virtual network identifier arereferred to), and it is determined that it is determined that a seventhrecord of the table example illustrated in FIG. 15 satisfies a searchcondition that the identifier of the U-plane device 2 v is “U-planedevice 2 v-2” of its own device, and 64 bits from the start of the userpacket part are “0x 0000 0000 0000 0001” like the packet illustrated inFIG. 19(a) as a packet search condition (Step S101). Next, a packet istransmitted to a U-plane device 2 v-1 represented by the identifier ofthe transmission destination device of the seventh record using theU-plane device 2 v-2 (Step S102).

Next, the virtual network 1 is determined as a virtual network to whichthe packet transmitted by the U-plane device 2 v-1 belongs, a settingsdata table corresponding to the determined virtual network 1 is referredto (in other words, records of the virtual network 1 determined as thevirtual network identifier are referred to), and it is determined that afirst record of the table example illustrated in FIG. 15 satisfies asearch condition that the identifier of the U-plane device 2 v is“U-plane device 2 v-1” of its own device, and 64 bits from the start ofthe user packet part are “0x 0000 0000 0000 0001” like the packetillustrated in FIG. 19(a) as a packet search condition (Step S103).Next, a packet is transmitted to a UN 3 v-1 represented by theidentifier of the transmission destination device of the first recordusing the U-plane device 2 v-1 (Step S104).

The process of “b” illustrated in FIG. 20 and the processes of “c” and“d” illustrated in FIG. 21 are similar thereto, and description thereofwill not be presented here.

Modified Example 2

Subsequently, Modified example 2 of the example of the path controlsystem 4 described above will be described. In this Modified example 2,a U-plane device 2 (rendezvous node) that is a default transmissiondestination of a case in which a packet search condition does not matchis designated using an access point name (a so-called an access pointname (APN)), which is the mainly difference from the example describedabove. The rendezvous node, for example, is a packet data networkgateway (PDN-GW) in an EPS.

In this Modified example 2, a specific configuration example of a pathcontrol system 4 r is illustrated in FIG. 22, a packet search ruletable, a topology information table, and a UN specific information tablestored by a C-plane device 1 r are illustrated in FIG. 23, a flowchartillustrating this Modified example 2 of the process of S3 of thesequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 6 (the process relating to thegeneration of a settings data table) in detail is illustrated in FIG.24, and settings data tables stored by the C-plane device 1 r and aU-plane device 2 r are illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26. In addition, “r”will be appropriately attached to a corresponding reference sign of theexample described above as a reference sign of each of devices andfunctional blocks of this Modified example 2. The configuration and thefunctions of this Modified example 2 are almost the same as those of theexample described above, and thus, similar parts will not be describedas is appropriate, and differences will be mainly described.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a pathcontrol system 4 r of this Modified example 2. As illustrated in FIG.22, in this Modified example 2, compared to the example described above,a U-plane device 2 r-2 is designated as a rendezvous node. A UN 3 r-2that is a default route representing a node to which a packet istransmitted in a case in which a search condition does not match isconnected to the U-plane device 2 r-2. In addition, a new U-plane device2 r-4 is connected to a C-plane device 1 r, a U-plane device 2 r-1, anda U-plane device 2 r-3. A U-plane device 2 r-4 is designated as arendezvous node, and a UN 3 r-6 that is a default route is connectedthereto. In addition, a new UN 3 r-5 is connected to the U-plane device2 r-1. In addition, a configuration illustrated in FIG. 22 is aconfiguration based on an example of the topology information tableillustrated in FIG. 23(b) and an example of the UN specific informationtable illustrated in FIG. 23(c).

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating examples of a packet search ruletable, a topology information table, and a UN specific information tablein Modified example 2 that are stored using a storage unit 10 r.Hereinafter, differences from the table examples in the exampledescribed above illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 23(a) is adiagram illustrating an example of the packet search rule table. Asillustrated in FIG. 23(a), in the packet search rule table, partinformation and designation information are associated with each otherfor each access point name and each designation information type. Here,the designation information type is a type of designation information atan access point represented by a corresponding access point name.Specific examples of the designation information type include a type ofa network protocol and a PDN type in an EPS. In this way, by assigning adesignation information type in accordance with an access point name,even in the case of connecting to a same access point, an appropriatetype can be selected from among a plurality of types of designationinformation. A network company can set a search condition for eachaccess point name and each designation information type. FIG. 23(c) is adiagram illustrating an example of the UN specific information table. Asin the table example illustrated in FIG. 23(c), in each UN 3 r, a UN 3 ridentification code for each access point name and each designationinformation type is (acquired by the acquisition unit 11 r) set (by thesetting unit 12 r).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S3 of the sequencediagram illustrated in FIG. 6 in this Modified example 2 in detail.First, after S2 illustrated in FIG. 6, S10 to S12 illustrated in FIG. 7are performed. After S12, by using the setting unit 12 r, it isdetermined whether or not an access point name (rendezvous node) isdesignated in the node information acquired in S2 illustrated in FIG. 6(Step S210). In a case in which it is determined that an access pointname is not designated in S210, the process of S13 and S14 illustratedin FIG. 7 is performed (in other words, the process proceeds with theaccess point name blanked), and the process proceeds to the process ofS4 illustrated in FIG. 6. On the other hand, in a case in which it isdetermined that an access point name is designated in S210, by using thesetting unit 12 r, a transmission destination device forming a shortestpath from the rendezvous node toward a UN 3 r to which the UN deviceidentifier acquired in S2 is assigned is calculated (Step S213). Next,by using the setting unit 12 r, for each U-plane device 2 r forming ashortest path calculated in S213, an entry including a device identifierof the U-plane device 2 r, the generated packet search condition, and adevice identifier of the calculated transmission destination deviceforming the shortest path is generated and is added to the settings datatable (Step S214). After S214, the process proceeds to S4 illustrated inFIG. 6.

Each of FIGS. 25 and 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of asettings data table set using the setting unit 12 r in this Modifiedexample 2. Hereinafter, differences from the table example in theexample illustrated in FIG. 5 described above will be described. Asillustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, for each access point name and eachdesignation information type, an identifier of the U-plane device 2 r, apacket search condition, and an identifier of the transmissiondestination device are associated with each other.

The example of the settings data table illustrated in FIG. 25 is a tableexample of an initial state stored using the storage unit 10 r in S0illustrated in FIG. 6. As illustrated in the table example of FIG. 25,in the initial state, U-plane devices 2 r other than the rendezvous nodeare set to transmit a packet toward the rendezvous node in a case inwhich the search condition does not match. In addition, the U-planedevice 2 r of the rendezvous node in which a default route is set is setto transmit a packet to the default route node in a case in which thesearch condition does not match. In addition, the U-plane device 2 r ofthe rendezvous node in which a default route is not set may discard thepacket in a case in which the search condition does not match(alternatively, a device identifier representing “discard” may be set inthe transmission destination device identifier).

Next, the operations and effects of the C-plane device 1 and the U-planedevice 2 configured as in this embodiment will be described.

The C-plane device 1 according to this embodiment is a C-plane device 1in a path control system 4 comprising one or more U-plane devices 2relaying packet communication between UNs 3 and the C-plane device 1performing path control of the packet communication and comprises astorage unit 10 that stores designation information designating searchkey information of a UN 3 used as a search key of transmissiondestination determination when the U-plane device 2 relays a packet andpart information indicating a packet part in which the search keyinformation is included and an acquisition unit 11 and a setting unit 12that, when a new UN 3 is connected to a U-plane device 2, acquire nodeinformation relating to the UN 3, extract the search key information ofthe UN 3 based on the acquired node information and the designationinformation stored using the storage unit 10, and set a transmissiondestination of a packet for each U-plane device 2 in a case in whichextracted search key information is included in a packet part indicatedby part information, which is stored using the storage unit 10, of thepacket received by the U-plane device 2 at the time of packet relaying.

By employing such a configuration, when a new UN 3 is connected to aU-plane device 2, the transmission destination of a packet is set foreach U-plane device 2 in a case in which the search key information ofthe UN 3 based on designation information stored using the storage unit10 is included in a packet part indicated by the part information, whichis stored using the storage unit 10, of the packet that is received bythe U-plane device 2 at the time of packet relaying. In other words, atransmission destination of a packet for each U-plane device 2 can beset on the basis of the designation information and the part informationstored using the storage unit 10. In this way, for example, whendesignation information and part information designated by a networkcompany are stored using the storage unit 10, path control can beperformed using the designation information and the part informationdesignated by the network company. In other words, more flexible pathcontrol can be performed.

In addition, in the C-plane device 1 according to this embodiment, thesetting unit 12 may extract a plurality of pieces of search keyinformation when the search key information is extracted and set atransmission destination for each of the extracted plurality of piecesof the search key information. By employing such a configuration, aplurality of pieces of search key information can be set for a UN 3, andthus, for example, more flexible path control such as setting aplurality of pieces of search key information in accordance withpurposes and setting path control according to a purpose can beperformed.

In addition, in the C-plane device 1 according to this embodiment, thesetting unit 12 may dynamically generate insufficiency information whensearch key information is extracted. By employing such a configuration,search key information can be extracted more reliably even in a case inwhich insufficiency information is present, and accordingly, atransmission destination of the U-plane device 2 can be set morereliably.

In addition, in the C-plane device 1 according to this embodiment, thestorage unit 10 may further store topology information relating to anetwork topology of one or more U-plane devices 2, and the setting unit12 may set a transmission destination on the basis of the topologyinformation stored using the storage unit 10. By employing such aconfiguration, for example, a transmission destination forming ashortest path toward a transmission destination UN 3 can be set on thebasis of the topology information, and more efficient path control canbe performed.

In addition, in the C-plane device 1 v according to this embodiment,packet communication may be performed through one virtual network amonga plurality of virtual networks established on a path, the storage unit10 v may store designation information and part information for eachvirtual network, and the acquisition unit 11 v and the setting unit 12v, when a new UN 3 v is connected to a U-plane device 2 v, may acquirenode information relating to the UN 3 v, extract search key informationof the UN 3 v for each virtual network, on the basis of the acquirednode information and the designation information for each virtualnetwork that is stored using the storage unit 10 v, and set atransmission destination of a packet for each virtual network and foreach U-plane device 2 v in a case in which the extracted search keyinformation of the virtual network is included in a packet partindicated by part information of the packet received by the U-planedevice 2 v at the time of relaying the packet, which is stored using thestorage unit 10 v, for each virtual network. By employing such aconfiguration, in a packet communication network in which a plurality ofvirtual networks are established on a path, path control for eachvirtual network can be performed. In other words, more flexible pathcontrol can be performed.

In addition, in the path control system 4 according to this embodiment,the setting unit 12 may generate a settings data table and transmit thegenerated settings data table to each U-plane device 2, and the U-planedevice 2 comprises: the storage unit 20 that stores a settings datatable transmitted by the setting unit 12; and the transmission unit 22that transmits a packet received at the time of relaying on the basis ofthe settings data table stored using the storage unit 20. By employingsuch a configuration, in the U-plane device 2, the generated settingsdata table is stored, and a packet received at the time of relaying istransmitted on the basis of the stored settings data table. In otherwords, a packet is transmitted in the U-plane device 2 on the basis ofthe settings data table generated on the basis of the designationinformation and the part information stored using the storage unit 10 ofthe C-plane device 1. In this way, for example, when designationinformation and part information designated by a network company arestored using the storage unit 20, path control can be performed usingthe designation information and the part information designated by thenetwork company. In other words, more flexible path control can beperformed.

Here, as a problem of a conventional technology, there is a problem inthat an EPS that is a standard of a mobile communication network cannotperform path control using an ID designated by a network company and avalue of a packet field designated by the network company. According tothe path control system 4 of this embodiment, a packet search rule tableincluding a set of an ID designated by a network company and a packetfield designated by the network company is maintained by the C-planedevice 1 that is a device responsible for controlling the network, and asettings data table relating to path control generated by combining thepacket search rule table and UN user specific information is transmittedto the U-plane device 2 that is a device responsible for packettransmission and packet processing of the network. In this way, pathcontrol (ID routing) using an ID (search key information or designationinformation) designated by a network company and a packet field (partinformation) designated by the network company can be realized. Forexample, path control inside a mobile network can be realized using anarbitrary network protocol other than an Internet protocol (IP). Inaddition, the configuration of the path control system 4 according tothis embodiment can be applied to software defined networking (SDN),network function virtualization (NFV), a transport, a link, a node, amobile core, a base station, and the like.

Here, “information” described in this specification may be representedusing any one of other various technologies. For example, data, adirection, a command, information, a signal, a bit, a symbol, a chip,and the like acquired as described over the description presented abovemay be represented using a voltage, a current, an electromagnetic wave,a magnetic field or a magnetic particle, a photo field or a photon, oran arbitrary combination thereof.

A term “determining” used in this specification includes variousoperations of various kinds. “Judging” or “deciding” for example, mayinclude calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating,looking up (for example, a search in a table, a database, or anotherdata structure), ascertaining, and the like. In addition, “determining”may include receiving (for example, reception of information), accessing(for example, an access to data included in a memory), or the like.Furthermore, “determining” may include resolving, selecting, choosing,establishing, comparing, and the like.

A term “connected” or any modification thereof means a direct orindirect connection or combination of any kind between two or moreelements and may include presence of one or more intermediate elementsbetween two elements that are “connected” to each other. The combinationor connection between elements may be a physical combination orconnection, a logical combination or connection, or a physical andlogical combination thereof. In the case of being used in thisspecification, two elements may be considered as being “connected” toeach other by using one or more wires, cables, and/or a print electricconnection and by using electromagnetic energy such as electromagneticenergy having a wavelength of a radio frequency region, a micro waveregion, and a light (both visible light and invisible light) region asone non-limiting and non-inclusive example.

Description of “on the basis of” used in this specification does notmean “on the basis of only” unless otherwise described clearly. In otherwords, description of “on the basis of” means both “on the basis ofonly” and “on the basis of at least.”

As long as “including” and a modification thereof are used in thisspecification or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusivesimilar to a term “being equipped with.” In addition, a term “or” usedin this specification or the claims is intended not to be exclusive OR.

In the processing order of each aspect/embodiment, a sequence diagram, aflowchart, and the like described in this specification, the order maybe changed as long as there is no contradiction. For example, for amethod described in this specification, elements of various steps arepresented in an exemplary order, the order is not limited to thepresented specific order.

Aspects/embodiments described in this specification may be usedindependently, be combined to be used, or be used to be switched over inaccordance with the execution. In addition, a notification (for example,a notification of “being X”) of predetermined information is not limitedto be performed explicitly and may be performed implicitly (for example,a notification of predetermined information is not performed).

As above, while the present invention has been described in detail, itis apparent to a person skilled in the art that the present invention isnot limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Thepresent invention may be modified or changed without departing from theconcept and the scope of the present invention set in accordance withthe claims. Thus, the description presented in this specification is forthe purpose of exemplary description and does not have any limitedmeaning for the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1 C-plane device    -   2 U-plane device    -   3 UN    -   4 Path control system    -   10 Storage unit    -   11 Acquisition unit    -   12 Setting unit    -   20 Storage unit    -   21 Connection processing unit    -   22 Transmission unit

1. A control node, which is a control plane (C-plane) device, in a pathcontrol system comprising the control node performing path control ofpacket communication between nodes and one or more relay nodes that areconnected to the control node and relay the packet communication, thecontrol node comprising: a memory storing (i) designation informationdesignating search key information of a node used as a search keydetermining a transmission destination that is a relay destination whenone of the one or more relay nodes receives a packet, (ii) partinformation indicating a packet part in which the search key informationis included and (iii) topology information relating to network topologyof the one or more relay nodes, wherein the control node, in a case inwhich a new node is connected to at least one of the one or more relaynodes, acquires node information relating to the new node, extractssearch key information of the new node on the basis of the acquired nodeinformation and the designation information stored in the memory, and,in a case in which, in a packet received by at least one relay nodeamong the one or more relay nodes, the search key information of the newnode is included in a packet part indicated by the part information,sets a transmission destination of the packet, on the basis of thetopology information stored in the memory, for at least a part of theone or more relay nodes or each of all the relay nodes in a transmissionpath of the packet transmission.
 2. The control node according to claim1, wherein a plurality of pieces of search key information are extractedwhen the search key information is extracted, and a transmissiondestination is set for each of the plurality of pieces of extractedsearch key information.
 3. The control node according to claim 1,wherein insufficiency information is dynamically generated when thesearch key information is extracted.
 4. The control node according toclaim 1, wherein the packet communication is performed through onevirtual network among a plurality of virtual networks established on apath, wherein the memory stores designation information, partinformation and topology information for each of the virtual networks,and wherein the control node, in a case in which the new node isconnected to at least one of the one or more relay nodes, acquires nodeinformation relating to the new node, extracts search key informationfor each virtual network of the new node on the basis of the acquirednode information and the designation information for each virtualnetwork stored in the memory, and, in a case in which, in a packetreceived by at least one relay node among the one or more relay nodes,the search key information for the virtual network of the new node isincluded in a packet part indicated by the part information for eachvirtual network, sets a transmission destination of the packet, on thebasis of the topology information for each virtual network stored in thememory, for each virtual network and for at least a part of the one ormore relay nodes or each of all the relay nodes in a transmission pathof the packet transmission.
 5. A path control system comprising: acontrol node, which is a control plane (C-plane) device, performing pathcontrol of packet communication between nodes; and one or more relaynodes that are connected to the control node and relay the packetcommunication, wherein the control node comprises a first memory storing(i) designation information designating search key information of a nodeused as a search key determining a transmission destination that is arelay destination when one of the one or more relay nodes receives apacket, (ii) part information indicating a packet part in which thesearch key information is included and (iii) topology informationrelating to network topology of the one or more relay nodes and, in acase in which a new node is connected to at least one of the one or morerelay nodes, acquires node information relating to the new node,extracts search key information of the new node on the basis of theacquired node information and the designation information stored in thefirst memory, and, in a case in which, in a packet received by at leastone relay node among the one or more relay nodes, the search keyinformation of the new node is included in a packet part indicated bythe part information, generates a settings data table in which atransmission destination of the packet is set, on the basis of thetopology information stored in the memory, for at least a part of theone or more relay nodes or for each of all the relay nodes in atransmission path of the packet transmission and transmits the generatedsettings data table to a determined relay node, from among the at leasta part of the one or more relay nodes or for each of all the relay nodesin a transmission path of the packet transmission, and wherein thedetermined relay node comprises a second memory storing the settingsdata table transmitted by the control node and transmits a packetreceived at the time of relaying on the basis of the settings data tablestored in the second memory.
 6. The control node according to claim 2,wherein insufficiency information is dynamically generated when thesearch key information is extracted.